Charlie Fox TBM Avenger

is this the same group who operate the ms406?

Was the ex THT Avenger ever operated by the FAA as a COD version?

This airframe was built as a TBM-3E with the bureau number 53319 and was delivered to the US Navy in May 1945. It was converted into the TBM-3R in 1953 and served with VA-22 Norfolk, Virginia. Saw service on the USS Coral Sea (I have a photo of her landing on).

Struck off charge in August 1956.

Martin

Was the ex THT Avenger ever operated by the FAA as a COD version?

And I thought it was just painted in a new colour scheme…..had to look twice when saw the turret had been re-installed.

I looked after her on the airshow circuit for a few years when she was at North Weald and was the first true warbird that I was lucky enough to have flown in.
Now, I’m scared of heights and it didnt help very much when climbing up that wing to my seat – not that I ever complained!!

Following photo was taken by John Dibbs (hanging out of the back of Tony Hai-Thomas’ Harvard Mk4 G-BKCK) over the Essex coast on the 7th August 1994. Remember had to wear a US Navy uniform to look the part.

Happy Landings,

Martin

Without doubt it looks nice, however I also have to conclude that a rather rare COD version of the TBM is now no longer there. The same can be said for the last TBM 3W2that was also lost during its restauration. A decade or 3 ago, there was hardly a TBM with a turret, but now almost all have been given one, and the TBM COD or TBM-3S versions are almost all gone.

But, as said, I like the livery it now has.

The Avenger was operated by Tony Haigh Thomas, the F4U-7 which is now at Tillamook was operated by Lindsay Walton.

Aeronavale (spelling) markings just look soooo right. The Rt Hon Patrick Lyndsey’s Corsair was such a looker in similar markings, where is it now??? The Avenger looks wonderful, well done all.

C6

The F4U-7 you are talking about was operated by Tony Haig-Thomas, and is now in US markings sadly; based with Jack Erickson’s collection in Tillamook, Oregon. I don’t think she’s flown for some time.

It’s nice to see the Avenger in french colors. They are such a refreshing change to the usual US schemes we see. I have a fondness for this particular avenger too, as I supplied a replacement joystick pistol grip for her a couple of years ago.

Cheers,
Richard

or even the Hon. Patrick Lindsay.

A fine gentleman…

😀 Reminds me of many moons ago when as a schoolkid at Dx a kindly gentleman stopped and started chatting to me. Trying hard to impress i said ” ah yes, your Patrick Lyndsey aren’t you”… it turned out to be Graham Warner. 😮

Aeronavale (spelling) markings just look soooo right. The Rt Hon Patrick Lyndsey’s Corsair was such a looker in similar markings, where is it now??? The Avenger looks wonderful, well done all.

C6

Linsday Walton operated that Corsair, The Rt Hon Patrick Lyndsey had a collection of WW1 and inter war aircraft plus Spitfire AR213.

Fond memories of the Avenger parked up at East Fortune – allowing me to get up close and personal with her.

Standing next to her on start-up was rather good fun…. 😉

Aeronavale (spelling) markings just look soooo right. The Rt Hon Patrick Lyndsey’s Corsair was such a looker in similar markings, where is it now??? The Avenger looks wonderful, well done all.

C6

Yes.

Check: http://www.aviapic.ch/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=135&start=160

The new colors looks VERY nice.